
Wife, mother, athlete, lawyer, coach, friend, writer – these are some of the ways in which I describe myself. I don’t use the lawyer one often anymore (and it doesn’t necessarily engender warm feelings), but the skills I learned as a lawyer I employ daily in my business, in mediating disputes between kids, and advocating for myself or others in day to day life. In fact I’d say that there is a crossover between all of the roles I play.
Our lives and our journeys aren’t always linear. Sometimes we think we are heading to a particular destination only to come to a fork in the road and head off in a different direction. Such has been my life. After law school I practiced law for seven years. The next seven years I spent in the home raising three young boys. For the following six years I worked part time as a Risk Manager for a construction company. I’m now back home full time running my own business as a fitness and health coach and I am finally pursuing my dream of writing. I don’t regret any of the roles I’ve had or the time spent to achieve them. I know that each of them have shaped the woman I am today.
I’m passionate about my faith and about striving to carry out the purpose that God has in store for my life. To be the best at each of the roles I play, I know I have to be healthy. For me that means being well-nourished physically, emotionally and spiritually. It means getting and keeping my head in the right place. Exercise gives me both mental and physical strength and clarity. Setting and reaching goals in fitness, like running a marathon or completing a fitness program, sharpens my focus and shapes my character. The achievements bolster confidence. The failures teach humility. Both instruct in patience, perseverance and dedication.
As important as it is to exercise daily and to make good choices when it comes to nutrition, it is also important for me to stay healthy spiritually. I do this by spending time in the word, attending church services and surrounding myself with other believers who support and encourage me in my faith walk. I do not pretend to be perfect. I am a work in progress. Every day I practice certain disciplines to maintain my health. The greatest gift each of us can give to ourselves, for our own benefit and those around us, is a healthy self – physically, emotionally and spiritually.
God has a purpose and a destiny for each of our lives. I believe He designed each of us to serve others. By sharing my own struggles, accomplishments, challenges and successes I aspire to offer you encouragement, support, practical advice and hope.
1 Comment
Papou
March 11, 2016 at 1:41 pm
Love it and especially how you relate to being a lawyer and how it transfers to raising kids. First time I viewed this and Erin you are one beautiful mother, wife and to Argie and me another daughter!